What is Some of The Technology Used in Surveying?

It is a fact that surveyors are a necessary part of civil engineering. Surveying is indispensable when it comes to creating maps, defining locations, and identifying key structures. But what is some of the technology they use to do their jobs?

The most known of surveying technologies is the GPS. In our present day, satellites and GPS technologies have become so precise that they are used by all surveyors. The use of GPS creates centimeter-precise readings for maps, which allows surveyors to create maps that are of great reliability.

Also, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDar) systems are common for surveyor use. These systems create three-dimensional snapshots for plans, which precise readings of elevation. In all plans, it is necessary to have these precise elevation readings. If a map gives the incorrect elevation, mistakes can be made in structural design, as potential construction may interfere with already existing structures.

Geographic information systems may be the most important of these technologies. Satellite imagery, topographic surveys, and maps of existing infrastructure can be stored in these systems. So, when a surveyor completes their work, they can store information including structural locations and elevations in these systems. After this information is stored, civil engineers can have a full understanding of the area they are working on.

The work of surveyors allows engineers to have a precise understanding of their project area, and be able to create plans that do not interfere with surrounding area. It is important for all civil engineers to understand the usage of this technology, and know if the surveyors are using technology that generates precise information.